Summary for pre-plated becu Discussion
Using pre-plated BeCu, the question is whether the strip should be heat treated before or after a second 10u" gold plate, given that the part is first copper flashed, nickel plated on all surfaces, and then given 20u" gold on the inner contact surface. The concern is that heat treating to harden the BeCu could accelerate migration of BeCu into the gold. The poster also asks whether any other surface treatment is needed and whether the surface would need reactivation if heat treated before the final gold plating. No answer text is included in the excerpt, so the thread source does not provide a documented recommendation or resolution. The practical issue is balancing BeCu hardening, gold migration risk, and reducing gold thickness in non-functional areas while preserving plating adhesion and contact performance.
Q. We are looking into using pre-plated BeCu for an electrical contact. The BeCu strip will be copper flashed and Nickel Plated on all surfaces, followed by 20u” gold on what would be the inner surface of the contact. After forming, should the part be heat treated before or after a second gold plating of 10u”?
Concern is accelerating migration of BeCu into the gold due to the heat treating process to harden the BeCu. Is there any other surface treatment that should occur? If heat treated prior to 10u” gold plating, will the surface need to be reactivated? We have always post plated before (Barrel and Selective), but due to rising gold costs, are looking at options to reduce gold in non-functional areas.
Randy Garman
Project Eng. – WAYNESBORO – Virginia
September 26, 2025